Calming Glitter Jar: A Step-by-Step Guide

Do you have a little one that sometimes has trouble calming down when they’re upset? Often, having something to hold or look at can be soothing for children when their emotions get overwhelming. A visual aid can be the perfect distraction away from those negative feelings and bring your child back to a more positive frame of mind.

Calming glitter jars can be incredibly helpful, as they stimulate the senses in a way that allows the child to relax. Giving the jar a gentle shake or rolling it back and forth sets the glitter in motion, providing a soothing visual effect.

This parenting tip is brought to you by Esme & Roy! This animated duo uses a glitter jar to help one the monsters they babysit (if you missed the debut this weekend, check your local listings to find out when to catch it again on Treehouse TV). Here’s a step-by-step guide of what you will need to make your own calming glitter jar at home.

How to Make Your Own Calming Glitter Jar

Items you will need: an empty jar, glitter, food colouring, clear glue and hot water (plus something to stir with!)

It’s important to get your kid involved with making this craft. Have them select the glitter and food colouring so that this calming glitter jar is customized to a colour-combination that soothes them (my kids picked purple and blue).

First, pour the clear glue into the jar until it is filled up about ¼ of the way. Next, slowly pour hot water until the liquid reaches about ¾ of the jar.

The next step is to add glitter, which you can add as much as you like. My tip would be to add some, stir, then add some more and stir again. We added all the glitter at once and found much of it stayed at the bottom of the jar where the glue was (the glitter will still swirl around when the jar is gently shaken though).

After you’ve added the glitter put in two drops of food colouring and stir again.

Finally, put the lid on the jar and give it a shake! Watch as the glitter dances around in the jar.

Be sure to keep the jar in a place that is easily accessible when needed. You never know when a grumpy mood might creep up and your child needs a little something to lighten their spirit.